build castles in the air
build castles in Spain
To make impossible or imaginary plans, dream about future successes that are unlikely.
He liked to build castles in the air, but never succeeded in anything.
To build castles in Spain is natural for young people and they may work hard enough to get part of their wishes.
carry coals to Newcastle
To do something unnecessary; bring or furnish something of which there is plenty.
Newcastle is an English city near many coal mines, and coal is sent out from there to other places.
Newcastle is an English city near many coal mines, and coal is sent out from there to other places.
The man who waters his grass after a good rain is carrying coals to Newcastle.
Joe was carrying coals to Newcastle when he told the doctor how to cure a cold.
cast about
cast around
To look everywhere; search.
The committee was casting about for an experienced teacher to take the retiring principal's place.
To search your mind; try to remember something; try to think of something.
The teacher cast about for an easy way to explain the lesson.
Jane cast around for a good subject for her report.
cast down
downcast
Discouraged; sad; unhappy. Used less often than the reverse form downcast.
Mary was cast down at the news of her uncle's death.
Charles felt cast down when he lost the race.
cast light upon
shed light upon
throw light upon
cast light on
shed light on
throw light on
To explain; illuminate; clarify.
The letters that were found suddenly cast a new light on the circumstances of Tom's disappearance.
Einstein's General Theory of Relativity threw light upon the enigma of our universe.
cast loose
To unfasten; untie; let loose (as a rope holding a boat).
At that moment Commander Farragut was ordering the last moorings to be cast loose which held the Abraham Lincoln to the pier of Brooklyn.
cast off
To unfasten; untie; let loose (as a rope holding a boat).
The captain of the boat cast off the line and we were soon out in open water.
To untie a rope holding a boat or something suggesting a boat.
We cast off and set sail at 6 A.M.
To knit the last row of stitches.
When she had knitted the twentieth row of stitches she cast off.
To say that you do not know (someone) any more; not accept as a relative or friend.
Mr. Jones cast off his daughter when she married against his wishes.
cast out
To force (someone) to go out or away; banish; expel.
After the scandal, he was cast out of the best society.